Outstanding Jamaicans to Receive National Honours

One hundred and fifty-five outstanding Jamaicans who have contributed to nation building will be officially recognized at the National Honours and Awards ceremony on National Heroes Day, Monday, October 18 on the lawns of King’s House.
The civil honours, which will be bestowed on 100 individuals include, the Order of Merit, the Order of Jamaica, the Order of Distinction (Commander and Officer class), and the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service.
Meanwhile, 55 members of the uniformed service including the Jamaica Defence Force, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Department of Correctional Services and the Jamaica Fire Brigade will receive medals of honour for gallantry and meritorious service.
The civil honours may be conferred on any distinguished citizen of Jamaica or another country, who has achieved eminent international distinction in areas including Science, the Arts, and Literature, among others. The badge of honour for gallantry is conferred upon persons who have performed acts of gallantry or heroism or who have shown great courage in circumstances of extreme danger.
The highest civilian honour, which is the Order of Merit, will be conferred on Herb McKenley for his distinguished service to athletics locally and internationally. Mr. McKenley is already a member of the classes of the Order of Jamaica and the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander.
Secretary General of the Chancery in the Office of the Prime Minister, Sadian Moore told JIS News that the civil honours were awarded on the advice of the Prime Minister to the Governor General, based on nominations received from members of the public or from Members of Parliament, Mayors and Custodes.
“These are submitted on prescribed nomination forms, which are sent to a Cabinet sub-committee, who send recommendations to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister responds to Cabinet and then advises the Governor General regarding the awards to be made,” she explained.
All members of the public are invited to attend the ceremony and all guests should be seated by 8:00 a.m.